The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 58 Apache vs. 61 Apache Steering

Why does the 61 steer and turn so easy compared to my 58?Is it the larger tires or a design upgrade.They are both half-ton ? The 61 feels like it is power assisted but it's not?

radials vs your bias tires? made exactly that difference on mine

maybe your 58 has steering geometry problems? seized joints or lacking lube?

Bill

Thanks.

Totally different set ups for the front ends. The 58 has straight axle, while the 61 may have the torsion bar suspension. I had both year models, and the torsion bar suspension was much easier to steer, especially at low speeds. Not really sure why, but the 58 was/is properly greased, the gear box is good, but when on the ground it can be a bit of a bear to turn the steering wheel. Especially if the truck is stopped. Seems like when I put radials on it the wheel was even harder to turn.

The balljoints in the suspension make a big difference, too. Less effort needed over kingpins. I'll have to check the specs to be sure, but there may also be a difference in the ratio of the steering boxes.